Audemars Piguet Millenary Edition 2016
Just two decades after the Millenary was created, 2016 brings the launch of two new stunningly original designs powered by the clever in-house back-to-front 5205 and 5206 movements. Classic accents are reworked to bold effect: onyx and diamonds, gold and pearls now geometrically defined to create graphic dial patterns.
This new graphic women’s design featuring diamonds and onyx interlayed in a hypnotic relief is revealed as a bold expression of precision craft. Classic techniques are abstracted to new effect: the Millenary’s zebra-like stripes come to life in brilliant-cut diamonds and velvet-black onyx.
The design is all the more remarkable because the balance wheel and bridge are an integral part of the decoration: a technical challenge that reminds us how Audemars Piguet’s gem-setters and horological engineers work side-by-side, developing an unparalleled understanding of related crafts.
Audemars Piguet underlines its contemporary approach to Haute Joaillerie, transporting pearls – the all-time classic jewel – into a new horological realm. Over a century ago, seed pearls were used to decorate watch cases.
In 2016, an avant-garde re-think of traditional decorative techniques sees pearls light up the Millenary dial like little electric studs, creating a magnetic geometric weave against the gleaming black onyx.
This original timepiece required the special skills of a traditional jewellery workshop. Even before creation could begin, Audemars Piguet expert jewellers hand-picked each pearl for perfect roundness and size (1 mm diameter), and then set them with exceptional precision. The unique oval dial of the Millenary becomes a new canvas for pearls.
Technical details
AP Millenary, Reference: 77249BC.ZZ.A102CR.01
Movement
Hand-wound Manufacture Calibre 5205
Total dimensions: 32.74 x 28.59 mm (14 ½ x 12 ¾ lignes)
Total thickness: 5.64 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Number of parts: 344
Minimal guaranteed power reserve: 49 h
Frequency of balance wheel: 3 Hz (= 21,600 vibrations/hour)
Functions
Hours
Minutes
Small seconds
Case
18-carat white gold case, entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, crown set with an onyx cabochon, water-resistant to 20 m.
Dial
18-carat white gold off-centred disc and small seconds counter with “zebra” pattern, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and onyx, yellow gold hands.
Bracelet
“Large square scale” black shiny alligator strap with diamond-set 18-carat white gold pin buckle. Additional coloured strap.
Gemsetting
438 brilliant-cut diamonds; ~1.93 carats (case, buckle). 140 brilliant-cut diamonds; ~0.43 carats (dial, movement).
AP Millenary, Reference: 77249OR.ZZ.A205CR.01
Movement
Hand-wound Manufacture Calibre 5206
Total dimensions: 32.74 x 28.59 mm (14 ½ x 12 ¾ lignes)
Total thickness: 5.94 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Number of parts: 397
Minimal guaranteed power reserve: 49 h
Frequency of balance wheel: 3 Hz (= 21,600 vibrations/hour)
Functions
Hours
Minutes
Small seconds
Case
18-carat pink gold case, entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, crown set with an onyx cabochon, water-resistant to 20 m.
Dial
Onyx off-centred disc and small seconds counter with white pearls, pink gold hands.
Bracelet
“Large square scale” beige alligator strap with diamond-set 18-carat pink gold pin buckle. Additional black shiny strap.
Gemsetting
438 brilliant-cut diamonds; ~1.93 carats (case, buckle). 169 brilliant-cut diamonds; ~0.35 carats (dial, movement).
